There are however some outstanding wet/ bad weather activities in the Yamanashi prefecture that you may not be aware of and one of them is visiting the Katsunuma wine region.

Katsunuma is home to 31 wineries and produces more than ¼ of Japanese wine. Its well known to Japanese wine fanatics and is growing in reputation for overseas wine connoisseurs.

Most wineries are open for the public for viewing, sales and tastings but for someone to gain a quick understanding and find the winery and tastes that suits them I recommend heading to Budo no Oka (Grape Hill).

Travelling from Tokyo to Katsunuma station via the Chuo line takes 1 hour 30mins and as soon you get off the train you will spot Budo no Oka on the hill directly across the small valley. A small 5 minute taxi ride will get you to begin your Yamanashi wine adventure

Budo no Oka is the ultimate wine tasting spot where you pay 1100yen to be given a special tasting cup, you are then showed to the huge wine cellar where you can sample 100s of Katsunumas wine. Once you move down the stairs the heat from outside escapes you and the coolness of the wine cave relaxes but also excites you.

Most of the year you will have access to 2 rows of 20 barrels each with 7 to 8 bottles of wine to try. During Autumn there are also new season releases, they will open up another hallway to try out all these fresh new varieties. The Atmosphere makes tasting the many wines even that more amazing with low lighting, stone floors and bottles stacked everywhere.

The way that the selection has been set up helps you understand the tastes more as you progress from dry whites to much stronger reds to dessert style extremely sweet wines and if you visit in spring a special cherry blossom wine. On each barrel you will find recommended wines with Gold, silver and bronze stickers showing the awards won. Be sure to mark down your favourites to remember if you want to purchase later on.

The first row when you walk in has numerous Koshu grape wines, Koshu grapes are local to the Katsunuma region which are distinctly lighter and sweeter in flavour. This makes these wines very different when trying to compare with other white wines from around the world Some of my favourites were from the Haramo winery which produce new releases each autumn. You can find many of the new releases in the far corner of the cellar. I would recommend you spend more time on these as they work perfectly with Japanese cuisine and are very great warm weather wines.

Once you have finished with your tastings, you can head upstairs to the gift shop to buy souvenirs and if you have other wine you want to purchase. You can also ask for maps and directions to the wineries that impressed you in the cellar. Chances are you are hungry, I didn’t try the onsite restaurant but instead took a 10min taxi ride to another famous delicacy of the Yamanashi region, Houtou noodles.

One of the most famous restaurants is Minaki, weekends are extremely busy but during the week the waiting time was minimal. The Minaki building was previously a Medical headquarters that has been renovated into a restaurant without losing its authentic Japanese look. It also has a stunning well kept garden that you can enjoy while waiting for your table.

The Houtou noodles are a served in a hot pot with meat, seasonal local vegetable, thick noodles and a miso based broth. The meal is huge and it’s completely normal to share one hot pot. At Minaki you can also enjoy other Yamanashi specialties such as Torimotsu which is Chicken giblets in sweet sauce and Basashi which is thinly sliced raw horse meat that you dip in soy sauce and ginger. Both are much more tasty than they sound and are highly recommended if you visit Minaki.

Budo no Oka is definitely a great stepping stone in learning abou Yamanashi wine. Being very close to Tokyo and Mt Fuji, it is an excellent day trip option. The peak season is Autumn when the grape harvest is in full swing but all year round is perfect to visit the home of Japanese wine.

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It was a very hot sunny day (over 30 degrees). In noon, I started off my festival journey to Hita Central Park, in which a great carnival was being held. I was soon attracted by an array of colorful stands lined there, ranging from various snacks, drinks to games for children. Although my husband and I had finished lunch at home, we couldn’t resist the delicacy temptation. It was not easy to pick because everything looked incredibly delicious (well, all Japanese cuisines are yummy!). I decided to try some “takoyaki” (octopus dumplings) without hesitation because the old men of takoyaki stand worked so hard with immense enthusiasm in which I truly appreciated. Of course, whenever to go a festival, you definitely need a “kakigoori” (shaved ice topped with syrup) to cool off. I had a melon-flavored kakigoori covered with free extra condensed milk (so tasty!).

A marvelous performance on an open stage by a local orchestra began at 1 o’clock. However torrid the day was, they were all very professional and gave us a fantastic music show. We audiences broke into rapturous applause.

Only if a festival parade took place was the Hita main street flocked with the greatest crowds of people. Perhaps many of them had arrived very early to occupy a favorable space for a good parade view. Some elderly people were so clever to prepare portable chairs and I wondered they might be waiting for their lovely grandchildren to perform in the upcoming parade.

A total of 25 local associations joined the parade, comprising of lovely costume show, musical performance, traditional Japanese dancing and so on. I couldn’t help following other people to clap my hands with gratitude because they were incredibly amazing. It was just a few minutes show but I can imagine they must have gone through a very long time to practice everything.

The fireworks program along “Mikumagawa” river at 19:30 – 21:00 was undoubtedly the climax of Hita festival. I believe it was the best fireworks I have ever seen. First, it took about 1.5 hours in which a total of 10000 fireworks were set off. Besides, the distance between the fireworks and audiences was extraordinarily close, enabling everyone to enjoy a spectacular view of the fireworks and be impressed by the huge sounds. Such manificient fireworks were the most signature event of the festival.

Speaking of a festival, we always focus on a wide range of standard programs and activities. No doubt, they are all fun. Rather than these, however, I would appreciate the festival as a great opportunity for us to gather with our family and friends. In the past two days, while enjoying the parade or fireworks, I also loved to look at other people around me. No matter who they stayed with (even brought along with their adorable dogs), everyone was showing a very beautiful smile on their faces, savoring the “bentto” (lunch/dinner boxes) as a pleasant picnic altogether. Chat, jokes and laughs emerged among family members. Lovely children run around. Groups of high school boys enjoyed some curry rice, embracing their friendships. Beautiful ladies putting on ”yukata” (traditional Japanese casual kimono for summer) were strolling around or dating with their boyfriends. For me, I also had a wonderful time with my husband who was savoring my home-made “bentto” and saying “oishii”(delicious)!

Now, the yearly Hita festival ended and it will definitely come back again next year. But who knows you will be able to join the same event with the same persons by the time of next year? Life is full of uncertainty. A famous Japanese idiom called “Ichigo-ichiei” reminds me to treasure once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am so glad I could join the fascinating festival and really enjoyed it.

A number of traditional festivals are held in Hita periodically throughout a year. If you are interested in visiting, check out the city’s sightseeing homepage at http://www.en.oidehita.com. You will definitely have a pleasant time here.

By Queenie Lam

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Kiyomizudera, or Kiyomizu Temple, is very popular among the foreign and Japanese tourists, but still beautiful nevertheless. Listed as a World Heritage site, it provides visitors with a breathtaking scenery and traditional atmosphere. The road leading to Kiyomizudera is just as charming as the temple itself. Lined up with numerous gift shops selling local specialties, traditional sweets and pickles, it affords a 10-minutes steep walk to the complex main gate. Guess who made few stops to refresh himself with a cold sugar drink!

Perched on the mountain, the temple affords charming views of the lush greenery and Kyoto basin. However, if you are expecting to capture the famous picture as shown in the Internet, you will be slightly disappointed. Since February 2017, the main complex temple is undergoing the renovation works and will be closed for the next three years. The famous wooden deck that juts out from the hall is covered with scaffolding, but visitors are still allowed to go inside. At the entrance, there is a pair of metal shoes local monks used to walk in a long time ago. Next to it stands a rusted ironed pole and people are always attempting to lift it in order to get a good luck. All in vain *laughing*!

The temple grounds are picturesque and worth to spend a whole day leisurely strolling along the inclining paths. There are many viewing points where you can get a glimpse of historical Kyoto. After venturing around the gardens, I went down the stairs to see the long line of tourists waiting to purify their bodies and mind with the pure waters of Otowa no Taki waterfall. Make sure you do not drink from all of three streams as it may bring you a bad luck!

Although Kiyomizudera is beautiful anytime, I would suggest you to come just before the sunset. The views are simply gorgeous as the lights brighten up the narrow streets.

By Oleksandra

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At 11:50 a.m of 29th April, they arrived in Sado island ,Niigata prefecture by ferry in Ryotsu ferry sea port. I reached in the sea port at 11:30 am to welcome them, but I could not see any Sado people there. I was surprised, nobody might not interested to see the exciting international rally event in Sado. But Just before cars arrived at 11:45, many people gathered suddenly! I understand again the Japanese are so punctual!
Even an old woman came with her walking sticks. I was happy to see the smiles old woman while the rally was running.

The cars stayed in Sado Island 3 days, from 29 April to 1 May, as part of the Japan-wide rally in 24 cities. Nationwide roadshow rally was held from 12 April to 5th May 2017.

The challengers drive the main roads across the island and enjoyed life, sea sight beautiful scenery, green nature, however Sado’s original food and drumbeat ‘Kodo’ play.

To appreciate the challenges, local people slow down their cars, some time went behind to enjoy together the driving.

Sado is a mountainous green island surrounded by the sea. It has many ups and downs roads where race went also. From the top of the mountain, sea-views are huge and exotic. I was surprised, they as they selected mountainous roads, which is not easy street even for modern cars. Inside Sado the roads are straight, but in mountains like a spider nest. They might enjoy beautiful sea from the top after fearful driving in the mountain.

The groundbreaking events of vintage and classic cars generally held widely in Europe and North America. I did not know, it is also popular in Japan. I was glad to see about 50 classic cars together.

While cars were moving, my mind also was moving to the glorious past. As a citizen of developing nation, this is my first experience to see such classic car rally. The country of the modern car will appreciate classic cars, I never could imagine. Old models cars’ rally in original Island nature was really fantastic. I feel, ‘old is really gold’.

By Machizo

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This small temple is famous for a unique iron bell which was created by the artist Taro Okamoto (1911- 1996).

He often said that “The art is an explosion” and yes, you can see it in this creation.

There are thousands of temples all over in Japan and most of them have a bell in their grounds but none of them except this temple has a bell that is artistic, unique, beautiful yet functional.

The bell was created in 1965 and named “joy”.

As you can see, the bell has many pointed horns.

Have you ever seen anything like this before?

You would never expect the traditional Japanese temple to hide such a modern piece of art in its precinct grounds.

If you happened to be in Nagoya, it is well worth to visit!

The day I visited was on national holiday in Japan and very nice sunny day, but when I was there, nobody else but me. (maybe because it was 10 o’clock, fairly early for the tourist?)

So I enjoyed the view from all directions and took time as much as I wanted.

In past times, the temple bell told the time by tolling on the hour, it was also used as the traditional ceremony on New Year’s Eve.

Temples toll the bells 108 times exactly and it is believed to remove unwanted negative feelings, such as anger, suspicion and obsession from people lives.

The monks believe that there are 108 kinds of such feelings.

I heard that you can join the event then you can toll the bell!

I would love to try it sometime and hope to come back here on New Year’s Eve.

The temple was established in 1662.

It is located north of Nagoya castle and this location is very important, in fact, it is the reason for its establishment.

In Japan, direction of the north is called Kimon, literary means Evil Gate.

It is believed that the evil comes from the north.

So, they build the temple to protect the castle.

Well, it is all superstition.

But it is funny to think that the evil might try to come out nearby but won’t be able to do so because the power of the temple.

There is a statue of Kannon or Goddess of Mercy in the temple.

You can also enjoy a little Japanese garden with an ornament of dragon.

There is an another temple called Fukoji only a few minutes’ walk from Kyukokuji temple.

A big statue of Daibutsu or Buddha can be seen.

These temples stand in residential area.

There are no directional signs or any tourist bus but I enjoyed walking in the area and discovered old temples and a traditional Japanese house style café.

By Lysalver

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“Mameda Town”, a former imperial domain governed by the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo era (1603-1867) and a conversation zone for important traditional buildings of Japan designated in 2004, is the best-preserved example representing the lustrous past of Japan, due to its quaint and magnificent townscape with remnants of its glory days. Fully deserving of its heritage sta-tus, more and more visitors from other domestic regions and overseas flock to this ancient quar-ter.

As a foreign resident having lived in the neighborhood since 2014, I am very glad to introduce the historic “Mameda Town” (an alternative name called “Little Kyoto”), a picturesque place not to be missed when you visit Kyushu.

Background of Mameda Town

Geographical Location

Mameda Town is situated in the city of Hita, Oita prefecture in Kyushu (the southern area of Ja-pan). The city, praised as “Suikyo Hita” (Home of water), is renowned for its favorable geo-graphical location, presenting as a natural basin surrounded by numerous green mountains while benefiting from a bountifulness of seamlessly flowing water along Mikuma River.

History

Hita, often named as “Tenryo Hita”, was a former imperial domain governed directly by the To-kugawa Shogunate, the central authority of Japan (“Bakufu”) during Edo period (1603-1867). Performing as the most prosperous center of Kyushu in terms of politics, economics, and cul-ture, Hita was once a very flourishing hub bustled with wealthy merchants and samurai (warri-ors), as well as a rich cultural spot nurtured by academic intellectuals.

Best recommended things to do in Mameda Town

Stroll around the alleys

In Mameda town, you do not have to rush yourself, but go for a saunter down the tranquil and quaint alleyways at a slow pace. When standing in the midst of those wondrous streets rich in variation while maintaining its original layout in old days, try to imagine what it must have looked like back to the Edo era. Every individual old building does have its own story from the past. Even some small detail like a narrow river nestled between houses was once where “samurai” (warriors with superior social status in Edo period) traveled through the town and shared a common practice to clean their faces by this seamlessly flowing water.

From Edo period until today, buildings are still around without being washed away by waves of time, but no longer seen are people of the past who have hustled the same place from one era to another.

Enjoy Japanese museums with natural beauty

However interesting it might be, I was not so obsessive about visiting museums in other coun-tries. Whereas Japanese museums and galleries, to a large extent, do impress me.

Let’s take the museum in Mameda Town as an example. Rather than describing it as an ordinary museum, a typical and tedious indoor exhibition of thousands of drawing, artifacts or calligraphy, the Japanese museum here emphasizes its artwork displayed and paired impeccably with its magnificent architectural style from Edo period, as well as an art of gardening to keep the garden as natural as possible by planting flowers, trees, and shrubs, or presenting a pond with live fish. The artwork exhibition, architecture, and garden are in harmony and perfectly arranged as a whole. This natural scenic beauty never bores people but becomes more appealing and picturesque, especially during a sunny and breezy day.

My top preference in Mameda Town would be “Kusano House”, the old merchant residence site built in 1641 designated as a national important cultural property in Japan. Unfortunately, its opening to the public is merely scheduled in four specific periods a year and recently the site is even under renovation.

However, you won’t be disappointed as numerous other museums are also worth visiting in Mameda town, listed as follows:

Hirose Gallery

Discover the old Edo-styled craft museum nestled in this historic town since a few centuries, the house where the famous Confucian philosopher Tanso Hirose was born and once served as a school of finance and economics in Edo period. Learn about an abundance of priceless original documents, exquisite artifacts, furniture and other treasures from Hirose’s family, the wealthy merchants and financial officer who collected tax and dealt with Shogun’s budget in Edo period.

Location: Mameda-Machi 9-7
Tel: 0973-22-6171
Business Hour: 9:00-17:00
Close: Monday
Admission Fee: JPY 450 for adult, JPY 350 for student

Tenryo Hina Dolls Hall

Visit the place to see a collection of gorgeous traditional Japanese “Hina Dolls”, a total amount of 3,000 hand-made and beautifully dressed dolls, representing members of the ancient imperial court like the Emperor and the Empress, eminent lords, servants and so on. Being well-preserved and exhibited on tiers of shelves in various Japanese traditional rooms, the dolls have very precious value and some were produced during the Edo period.

Local people embrace “Hina Matsuri” (Doll Festival) which is held in March every year and a col-lection of up to 200 Hina Dolls are displayed to the public. If you miss this traditional festival, “Tenryo Tina Dolls Hall” will undeniably be your great choice to see the adorable Hina dolls available all year around.

Address: Mameda-Machi 13-6
Tel: 0973-24-4004
Business Hour: 9:00-17:00 (Open every day)
Admission Fee: JPY 300

Kuncho Sake Brewery Museum

Venture this free-entry old sake brewery museum established in 1702. Learn about the story of traditional Japanese sake manufacturing namely a long-standing method utilizing domestically produced rice and high-quality underground sweet water. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a free fresh sake and enjoy a factory tour upon request. Chill out in their cafe and order a delicious frozen yogurt “Ginjo Ice”. It is also a great idea to purchase a bottle of superior Japanese Sake exclusive to this factory at their on-site shop.

Address: Mameda-Machi 6-31
Tel: 0973-22-3121
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30
Admission Fee: Free
Closing day: Only during New Year period

The Nihongan Medicinal Museum

Visit the Nigongan Medicinal Museum, the oldest pharmacy in Oita Prefecture. Not only is it a store of popular local pharmaceutical brand “Nihongan” selling medicine which began its business in 1887, but also a museum to exhibit vintage medicine production tools and equipment. Moreover, the building itself is magnificent, being retained since Edo period. Get a full panoramic view of the city as you reach the top floor.

Address: Mameda-Machi 4-15
Tel: 0973-23-6101
Opening Hour: 10:00-16:00 (10:00-17:00 from 15th February to 31st March)
Closed during 1st June – 31st August, and 1st December – 14th February
Admission Fee: JPY 350 (Adult), JPY 250 (aged 6-18)

Shop at a bewildering array of dainty and exquisite stores

Without purchasing any souvenirs, the journey becomes imperfect. Some people like me put shopping as our top priority when traveling. In Mameda Town, a bewildering array of stores selling dainty and exquisite goods line in a row, seducing visitors to stop walking and step into their shops. It would be wiser to grab and buy something back home or else you would regret.

The choices range from domestic handicrafts to lovely Japanese accessories, depending on your personal preference. In my opinion, however, some outstanding goods peculiar to Mameda town should not be missed. Here is my recommendation:

Pottery

I love to purchase beautiful tableware which can magically create a more delicious and tempting look into my meal. In particular, Japanese pottery, the traditional ceramics ware, is the most enchanting. Those light brown or light green colored and specially-designed pottery in irregular patterns always reminds me Japan’s unspoiled nature with trees, forest, and mountain. I just cannot wait to fill some Japanese pickles or other colorful local vegetables onto it. Besides, nothing can look more impeccable than a pottery cup filled with Japanese green tea.

In Mameda Town, don’t miss a pottery store called “Ohara Ontayaki Shop”. It exclusively sells “Ontayaki” pottery. Since 1705, the traditional skills of “Ontayaki” have been passed down from generation to generation, in secrecy of the craftsmen’s families. “Ontayaki” techniques were designated as National Important Intangible Cultural Property and has won a grand award at an international pottery exhibition of Europe.

The pottery for sale includes a diversity of utility vessels such as bowls, plates, tea cups and small pots. Alluring and dainty as it is, every single piece is also unique and heavy-duty. Somehow you might need little extra efforts to pack the fragile pottery into your luggage. However, it deserves as you will be enjoying the marvelous look and distinctive function of your pottery carried all the way from Japan.

Geta

Many friends of mine are fond of Japanese “Geta”, the traditional Japanese sandal featuring an elevated wooden base with a fabric thong to keep the foot well above the ground. There are types of clogs and flip flops. In terms of function, it is very comfortable, versatile and durable. More significantly, it is no longer only worn with traditional Japanese clothing like kimono or yukata, but can go perfectly with our apparels nowadays, effortlessly creating a casual, stylish and chic look for you. Various sorts of wooden bases with different colors and patterns of fabric thong are available. Feel free to ask the owner to let you try on your favorite pair.

Woodcraft goods

Owing to rich forest resources such as cedars and cypresses nearby, Hita is renowned as a city of wood, having developed its craftsmanship of traditional woodcraft goods. Every item such as a chopping board is one-of-a-kind with naturally formed beautiful wood grain patterns. They are absolutely great souvenirs for yourself or your friends.

Enjoy regional cuisine delicacy

Strolling around the town can be exhausting. Chill out in one of the cafes or bars. Also, have some local snacks in take-away shops along the alleys like “senbei”(grilled savory rice cracker), “karaage”(deep-fried chicken in garlic or soy sauce taste) and “tonsoku”(grilled pork trotters). You might want to try the best cake in town, cheese roll cake from a shop called “Sui”, or have a luscious delicacy of “Unagi”(grilled eel) from a restaurant called “Zen-ya”. On top of these, my best-recommended restaurant and cafe in Mameda Town are as follows:

Kazahaya Dining Restaurant

The restaurant’s building was previously a historic sake-storage architecture since 200 years ago. You can enjoy the ambiance in such a quaint hall while savoring their “Kaiseki” cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, providing a fusion-full-course menu (8 courses in total from appetizer, entree to dessert). The lunch set is also available.

In addition, the restaurant is run together with a beautiful Japanese old-styled hotel called “Tokikosou” (under the same owner) in the same location. If you plan to stay overnight in Mameda Town, it would be the best option guaranteeing you a full traditional Japanese leisurely experience.

Address: Mameda-Machi 8-12
Tel: 0973-23-5770
Opening Hour: 12:00-16:00, 18:00-20:00 (Open everyday)
Website: http://www.kazahaya.com/

Cafe Simaya

Nestled in a narrow alley of Mameda Town, this cafe is originally an ancient old merchant’s house built in 1876, preserving the indigenous and historic Japanese interior design. Have a seat, relax and enjoy the atmosphere and fascinating view of their garden outside the cafe. Savor a cup of “Matcha”, a finely powdered green tea traditionally used for tea ceremony, and “Dango”, palatable Japanese dumplings made of rice flour and served with sweetened soy sauce and red-bean paste.

Address: Mameda-Machi 10-8
Tel: 0973-24-0851
Opening Hour: 10:00-17:00 (Closed on Monday)

Brief Information of Mameda Town

Address: Mameda Machi, Hita-shi, Oita
Access: Take JR Train to JR Hita Station. Around 20-25 minutes by walk, or 5 minutes by taxi to Mameda Town.
Hita City Tourism Association Homepage: http://www.oidehita.com
Hita City Tourism Center Tel: 0973-22-2036

Conclusion: My thoughts about Mameda Town

Unlike my hometown, Hong Kong, in which historic architectures are not often appreciated and are easily demolished, Japanese people can develop a sense of enthusiasm and community-protecting passion towards their relics, evaluating them of overriding importance and taking the initiative to retain the vestiges of the town as a precious asset. Thanks to their efforts, no matter local Japanese or foreign visitors, we can have the opportunity to visit this ancient quarter which is almost without parallel in Kyushu. Living in the neighborhood, I passed by Memeda Town almost every day. Never would I be tired of looking at such an enchanting townscape reminiscent of its sublime stories in glorious days gone by.

By Queenie Lam

*Please check the latest information before visiting.

In Chuo-ku there is a lot of beautiful cherry blossom (SAKURA) spots.

I will introduce some of the SAKURA spots in Chuo-ku which are a little bit different from the usual sightseeing places.

Very close to the shopping center of Tokyo, Ginza and near the famous fish markets started in 1935 called Tsukiji.

This area which stretches for about 2 kilometers and is accessible by three bridges which starts with Chuo-Ohashi bridge in built the year 1994.

Next to Chuo-Ohashi bridge is Kachidoki bridge which is famous for being one of the first opening bridges constructed in Japan built in the year 1940. The last opening of the bridge was in 1970.

And next to Kachidoki bridge is the as yet inaccessible bridge Tsukiji Ohashi which is being constructed for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Here is a riverside area which offers excellent views of the cherry blossom trees and many good and authentic restaurants in close proximity.

Between the end of March and beginning of April you can see the trees changing their coats of color from pale white to pink, and bright crimson.

Firstly Tsukuda Park (Tsukuda Koen)

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Tsukuda Park which runs along the Sumida river and is closest to Chuo-Ohashi bridge has a walk of about 20 minutes with 2 levels of about 120 SAKURA trees with the lower level being adjacent to a boardwalk which offers lovely views of the river and the adjacent city lights.

Every day and particularly gorgeous in the evening, you can sit or stroll and watch the lights and the dozens of colorfully colored boats passing by along the river at this time of year.

Tsukuda park is famous for SAKURA it has some types of cherry blossom trees one of which is the famous SAKURA called “someiyoshino” and others. It is located on the south of Chuo-Ohashi bridge and on the north side is Ishikawajima park which connects with Sumida river terrace.

In the park there are high floor apartments called river city 21 and there is a little stream called “Tsukudasisen” in the park.

You can enjoy beautiful SAKURA and high technology buildings, you will find out the contrast is not bad.

During the daytime some people bring lunch boxes and they enjoy HANAMI (cherry blossom viewing) under the cherry blossom trees, lunch with friends and family and some people are looking at the Sumida river under the blossoms. You can feel that time is moving peacefully and slow.

Tsukuda park is also famous for it’s night view. This night view is lit by river city 21 and Chuo-Ohashi bridge, and you can see the famous sky tree which is tallest building in Japan.

In the evenings you can see night time SAKURA called YOZAKURA, which gives a very different feeling from daytime.

I like walking in this park at night time it is quiet and beautiful.

After you enjoy Tsukuda park you can walk over Chuo-Ohashi bridge and you can see another SAKURA park in Shinkawa park ( Shinkawa Koen).

Shinkawa park is between Chuo-Ohashi bridge and Eidaibashi bridge. There are about 60 cherry blossom trees in this area.

You can also see Ishikawajima park’s SAKURA trees from Shinkawa Park over the river.

It is located in front of Sumitomo twin towers which are very well known office building.

A lot of business people have a rest here in their lunch break. And in SAKURA season some of these business people have HANAMI too.

Here is great for jogging and going for a walk too. When I was walking here one evening it was a bit breezy, and the cherry trees were shedding there blossoms like snow, so I could feel as if I was having a shower of SAKURA around me. It was such a terrific experience.

Also this area has been used in many dramas and films, if you go there you can often see camera crews and maybe a film star too.

Each place has a different atmosphere and history.

I like Chuo-ku and I like it’s SAKURA.

I would like you to see these places, authentic and true where Japanese people live, work, party and enjoy that wonderful time of year which is the cherry blossom season.

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Today, I would like to show you guys an incredibly beautiful place for hanami that I went a few days ago. Gongendo park, a peaceful place located in Saitama prefecture. To be honest, I had never heard of it until I saw it on the Internet but later I heard it is the most popular place for cherry blossoms in Saitama prefecture. I didn’t see many foreign tourists there, maybe Saitama isn’t that well-known? Anyway , it is very different from other hanami trip I have ever been to, and surprisingly it is not crowded like other places.
Once you get there, you will see a bunch of cheery blossom trees welcoming you. When you keep walking a little more, there you will find yourself in an endless cherry blossom tunnel.

Then, you might smell something good from festival food stalls down there.Oh yeah, it is a cherry blossom festival, of course, we need food. I highly recommend“jagabata”(butter potatoes), since it is my all time favorite. The potatoes used here were all sent directly from Hokkaido. If you asked where in Japan that has the best potatoes, that would be Hokkaido. By the way, fried sweet potatoes are also yummy. There are also many traditional foods such as yakisoba(fried noodles), sausage ,shaved ice ,etc. I also saw a shop that sells Thailand noodles, a shop sells special drinks from Korea, they both looked very good.

How international it is, though.

If you have never been to Japanese food stalls, do not forget to look around and give it a try!! Kids will also get excited when they see some stalls where they can play little games
Ok, enough for food. let’s keep walking ,wait.. did you see the sea of flowers? What is that?

Yes, that is why Gongendo park is the best place for hanami, because it is not only about the cherry blossoms, the canola flowers here are also worth seeing. It is hard to put my feeling into words, all I can say is that I felt like I was in la-la land. I did want to dance in the sea of flowers, but obviously it is not allowed ,oops. But you can absolutely take hundreds of photos or snapchats here. Just a random picture can be a new wallpaper for your computer or phone.

If you are tired of walking, it is time to sit down and relax. Enjoy the view under the cherry blossoms trees with your loved ones. You might find there are some special cherry blossoms as well. This one is very pinky, and the other one is whitish.

There are some famous kinds of cherry blossoms in Japan,they are Someiy-oshino,Shidarezakura,Yaezakura and Kanzakura. I checked the cherry blossoms in this park are called “Somei-yoshino”( Prunus × yedoensis) , somei-yoshino is a hybrid cherry of between Prunus speciosa (Oshima zakura) as father plant and Prunus pendula f. ascendens (Edo higan) as mother. It occurs as a natural or artificial hybrid in Japan and is now one of the most popular and widely planted cultivated flowering cherries in worldwide.
There are about 1000 trees here, they will last here hundreds of years or even longer, if they could speak, what would they say?
One day, when we come back here, our memories will come back too like meeting some old friends.

So, we already have flowers, trees here, what else? Look at the small house down there. let’s see who live in it Hi,goat-san!!! They were not afraid of people at all,I am sure kids will love this beautiful place.

I also recommend you to stay until the sky turns dark, the view is totally different with all the lights on. Make sure you won’t miss its “yozakura” (cherry blossom at night).

So, how was it? Did you add it to your list? It is said the full bloom here is usually 10 days later than Tokyo. If you missed the cherry blossoms this time, don’t worry, you can still enjoy other beautiful flowers of each season. The red spider lily season will start in the mid- September until the beginning of October. There are narcissi in January , hydrangea in June. Isn’t it amazing? I can’t wait to see the different looks of this place. If you ever come to Tokyo or somewhere near Saitama, you must come and stay! The view here is quite different from Tokyo , the town is more quiet and laid back. It is about 1 and half hour train ride to get here (Satte station) from Shinjuku station, and get in a bus less than 15 minutes, you will find your la-la land. You will see a different part of Japan on your way here. Please make sure to check the weather before you go, the weather wasn’t perfect when I was there, but I bet it won’t happen to you.

By the way, you don’t need any ticket for this park, because it is totally FREE!
So, what are you waiting for?

By Seigo

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Oirans were courtesans and entertainers to ancient Japanese rich men and elites, however, educated high-class artists.

The splendid movement and royal dress up of Oirans gave me the impression first, they may be ‘queen’ and members of king family. Oirans’ gorgeous performance with long-line was fantastic.

If you participate in the event, you will get experience to see Oiran and different art-form of Japanese traditional dress.

This year, the festival held in full cherry blossom spring season on 16 April 2017 this year. The rally was started at 3.00 from “Hamochi Kaizen Center” to around which enjoyed by the huge audience. The beautiful cherry blossom, artistic-cultural performance, and soft sunlight nature will give you the sacred feeling and enormous joy.

The pretty and stylish oiran rally in the color-contrast between mild-pink sakura and deep bold Kimono will excite your sight and sense truly. On the eve of the rally, in the day whole Hamochi delighted with festivities spirit.

The rally was led by 3 Oirans with the group of follower and children. From the participants, I learned about ‘Soto Hachimonji’, the special steps of Oiran, which expressed the sexual appeal. The rally was moving ahead with the theme music, however, was stopped on the way with a certain interval for taking rest, however, showing them to the audience.

In the end of the rally, an open air photo session held in front to Sakura tree. As a remembrance, you will be able to take the photo with Oirans as well with free of cost. In a nutshell, the antique style will, of course, wake up your gorgeous feeling if you go the festival.

I love Oirans rally. Last year also I went to the festival. The unique, gentle and artistic performance of Oirans surely will make you happy.

In every spring Hamochi community arranges the exotic oiran rally. Anyone can be a oiran performer if can stay 3-4 months in Sado for rehearsal and mode adaptation.

Beyond the prejudice, loving and respect of art and tradition of Japanese people appreciable. I have the vision to join in the event in next year rally also. Hope you will go in Sado and will take a photo with Oirans. I am sure, you will get nice cultural experiences during spring with Oirans and Sakura in the beautiful Sado Island.

By machizo

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Unfortunately it was a cloudy, but the cherry blossoms were almost full bloom, along the Yodo River, on Sunday in an open atmosphere, spring like temperature not so hot not so cold, walking along the river, there were many people willing to see the cherry blossom, rice crackers, drinks, cotton candy and fried noodles were also out and it was very lively.

It is common to see Chinese and Korean tourists gathering together and spreading newspapers in the ground of riverbanks and eating delicious lunch boxes. Everyone takes a groupal photo or a selfie in a funny pose.

Furthermore, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian people and a group of American English teachers whose work in Japan seemed happy enjoying spring by eating snacks and drinking coffee at the café in front of Imperial hotel.

When entering the first floor of the indoor Imperial Hotel, it seems to be over 75 years of a Japanese elders on wheelchairs and canes drinking tea in the hotel lounge or lined up in front of the toilet a toilet, the aging of Japan was highlighted.

Although there was a Japanese elder person being alone and unable to move by himself, I was thankful to see how a foreigner caregiver was pushing his wheelchair and how kind he was for coming and see the cherry blossoms together with the elder.

I think foreign workers in Japan are over 1 million people and I think that it will increase in the future as elderly people in Japan will be more than 1 in 4 people.

Because I previously lived in California and worked as senior care in a senior facility I can say that many foreigners workers came to work every year.
I think that people want to live in places with a rich economy, good weather and pure nature.

From now, thinking that to fully enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan, it is important a nursing care worker for older people and foreign language, I thought that it would be advancing with IT in those days orderings, why not the Japanese food and French bread ordered by older people at the Imperial hotel, being delivered to their homes by a drone?

IT engineers talked about the fact that young employees of transportation companies are exhausted due to the quantity of deliveries, as amazon, etc. and it is said that future delivery of food and luggage in IT by drone is also possible.

In the near future, cooler drones, will deliver vegetables, oranges, fish and crabs from Hokkaido, directly from the production area.

If you think about such a thing, when you are hungry, with your smartphone you could order a pizza, a ham sandwich and hamburgers, soba, chinese food all delivered by a drone. IT and smartphone and a delicious meal, the future of a renovated Japan revitalized and also, big luggage delivery etc, it will be really interesting.

When I was walking under the beautiful cherry blossoms, I thought that it would be possible to see at home the beautiful images of the cherry blossoms and also walking under the trees experience by the side of the river just being shooted with a drone, while in a pleasure boat, Japanese and Americans IT group had a barbecue, I think it could be very interesting.

From now, Osaka plans to add an International Expo and Casino to Universal Studios and if this is possible, the tourists from Kansai, Universal Studios, Expo, Casino, Cherry blossom viewing and Kyoto will increase during cherry blossom season .

High-tech, sightseeing, peaceful and beautiful scenery, Japan growth in sightseeing is young, because there is all this, it is necessary that skilled foreigner seniors and IT professionals come and see the cherry blossoms.

I got hungry so I entered a restaurant where a part time job employee was a Vietnamese international student who gave me a set meal and grilled fish. I asked the owner sincerely, if it will be possible to operate the shop unless there is a good foreigner in the future, he said that it would not be possible without foreigner’s workforce, during the cherry blossom season and the summer fireworks period.

When I listened from a Vietnamese person that he was born as a farmer and worked in Japan to send half of her salary to his family and a friend worked in a civil engineering company and planted the cherry trees seedlings.

When I looked at the cherry blossom after considering that the Japanese and the foreigners are cooperating to see the cherry blossoms, the impression has further increased.

I thought that, cherry blossoms are also deeply meaningful for foreigners, who planted seedlings at Osaka’s first cherry blossom and the Japanese people who see the beautiful cherry blossoms who had international cooperation without their knowledge.

By eurostar11

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